Drug dealer flushes four years of his life away

Thanks to persistence and impressive work by digital forensics, a drug dealer will spend four years and six months behind bars, after being sentenced at Guildford Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 4 April).

Terry Daoust, 34, born 29/07/1989 of Shackleford Green, Godalming, pleaded guilty on 29 February after a long running investigation concluded with overwhelming evidence against him into his involvement in drug supply.

Daoust was first suspected to be involved in drug supply after messages recovered on the telephone of another drug dealer identified him as one of his suppliers.

After building a strong case, on 11 March 2023, a warrant was executed at Daoust's home address in Godalming. On gaining entry, Daoust was found in the bathroom with his hand down the toilet, in what officers later discovered to be an attempt to destroy evidence.

Officers located the phone from the u-bend of the lavatory and the phone was sent off to digital forensic specialists, who arranged a rebuild of the device. Once completed, messages were recovered showing Daoust was involved in the supply of cocaine and cannabis.

Daoust was arrested again on 24 January, and another phone seized from him. This device was found to contain messages proving he was still involved in the supply of drugs.

On 29 February he entered a guilty plea at Guildford Crown Court and was charged and remanded.

Without the persistence of the officers and digital forensic team involved in this case, a successful conviction would have been very difficult. PC Laidlaw who led the investigation said: ‘Tackling drug dealing across Surrey is a commitment we will continue to focus on. Those who deal drugs have a profound impact on the community, and we will continue to seek justice against them.’

If you are concerned about drug use or drug dealing in your area, please contact us online or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.